Big game ahead for Freeze, Miles

Baton Rouge Advocate columnist Scott Rabalais writes that LSU coach Les Miles will be coaching for his job against Ole Miss.

As successful as Miles has been overall there are some high-profile losses, and it’s easy to document the Tigers’ less than dominant SEC record since 2011 and, more to the point, their record against Nick Saban and Alabama.

Another couple of wins there, and Miles isn’t having this conversation.

On the flip side, Hugh Freeze isn’t coaching for his job, but he’s coaching to regain the buzz he created around the program.

Many thought the Rebels would be a factor in the SEC West this season, and they held control of their fate until this final month.

But two of their three losses were out of hand in the final minutes — the Florida game much sooner — and while an overtime loss to Arkansas can be forgiven it’s hard to process how the Rebels gave up 605 yards and little to no resistance with their pass defense.

Ole Miss football was a disaster when Freeze arrived in December of 2011. He restored pride and relevance quicker than should have been reasonably expected, much quicker.

Expectations, of course, come with the wins and notoriety. Two very difficult regular season games remain for the Rebels. They’ll take a step back in relevance without a win or two, and a difficult transition looms next season as the signing class of 13 starts to break up.